If you are one of those who is suffering from smelly feet and want to get rid of them then this article is for you.
In this article, I am going to mention some of the common causes of smelly feet and solutions. I am sure if you follow the remedies you will see good results.
Table of Contents
What are the Causes of Smelly Feet?
Well, there could be many causes but yeast infections and stress are one of the leading causes as they provoke sweat which can cause bacterial growth and this is how bad smells occur.
I am sure most of you know the causes I have mentioned. So, let’s get started with solutions.
How to Get Rid of Smelly Feet and Shoes Fast?
I am sure you are asking yourself that if sweating is the cause of smelly feet then how can we stop ourselves from sweating.
Well, you shouldn’t, but there are some preventive measures and home remedies which you can combine to get rid of the problem.
1. Wash your Feet Properly
People have a habit of getting into the shower and within five minutes they are out again. We don’t even pay close attention to the feet.
If you don’t wash your feet well, dead skin cells tend to accumulate on them and this becomes a breeding place for bacteria since they like to feed on these dead skin cells.
Bacteria on the feet is what causes the odor. Therefore, when taking a shower thoroughly scrub the entire foot and use a brush to exfoliate. Ensure all the dead skin is removed.
Similarly, use an antibacterial soap that will help keep bacteria away.
2. Dry the Feet Well
Keeping the feet dry is important especially when you are trying to get rid of feet odor. When you leave even a bit of moisture in your feet, you are creating an environment for bacteria to breed.
Use an absorbent towel to thoroughly dry the feet before putting on shoes. Don’t forget to dry in between the toes. Doing so will definitely decrease if not prevent your feet from becoming stinky.
You can also add to add some baking soda in your shoes before wearing them. Baking soda will absorb sweat and keep the feet dry.
3. Use Antiperspirant
You may need to get a good antiperspirant for feet. This will prevent excessive sweating in the feet.
Remember sweat and moisture is what makes the feet to stink. When you sweat less, then the feet are less likely to become smelly.
First of all, make sure you clean your feet and dry them well at night before getting into bed. Apply the antiperspirant then go to sleep.
In the morning you won’t need to apply antiperspirant when putting on your socks and shoes. The antiperspirant will actually block the sweat duct in your feet so that you do not sweat too much. This ensures the feet remain fresh and healthy.
4. Wear Open Toed Shoes or Sandals in Summer
Open toed shoes and sandals allow free flow of air in the feet. This only means that any sweat produced by the feet will evaporate soon enough and therefore there will be no moisture to make them smelly. Also, the air around the feet keeps them cool and prevents excessive sweating.
On rainy days or when it’s cold and you cannot wear sandals, opt for canvas shoes instead as with canvas shoes, your feet tend to become less sweaty.
5. Wear Clean Socks Everyday
All the sweat in the feet ends up being deposited in the socks. This is because socks absorb the moisture in the feet.
Avoid wearing one pair of socks twice as this can easily make your feet get stinky. The previous days sweat on the socks reheats and starts producing an odor. So it’s only prudent that you wear a clean pair of socks every single day to keep the feet fresh.
Also, wear socks made of absorbent material such as cotton and wool. Socks made of cotton and wool absorb sweat and help to keep the feet dry.
6. Alternate Between Shoes
Wearing the same pair of shoes every day largely contributes to having smelly feet. This is because there may be moisture that is still trapped inside the shoes. Give the shoes enough time to dry out.
At least wear a different pair of shoes each day and give the previous pair a maximum of 24 hours to dry before you wear them once more. It is also advisable to wash your shoes and insoles from time to time.
Another thing that may help to keep the shoes dry is by using a shoe dryer. Since just leaving the shoes to dry on their own may not be that much reliable. A shoe dryer will remove every moisture present in the shoes that are caused by sweat.
7. Soak Feet in a Solution of Water and Vinegar
The bacteria and fungus that makes the feet to become smelly will be eliminated by the vinegar. The acidic nature of vinegar makes it impossible for bacteria to thrive and hence kills it. This, in turn, will reduce the odor on the feet.
How to Apply?
- Take 2 liters of water and add half a cup of vinegar
- Mix it well and put your feet into it for about 20-30 minutes
- After that, wash your feet with soap and normal water
You have to repeat the process once a day for a minimum of 1 week and you will see good results.
8. Soak Feet in a Solution of Water and Lemon
Like vinegar, lemon also acts like a wonder to remove bad odor from your feet.
How to Apply?
- Take some warm water in a small tub and squeeze the juice of 3 medium sized lemons
- Mix them and put your feet into it
- Leave for 10-15 minutes and then wash your feet with normal water
Repeat this process just once a week and you will see a noticeable difference.
9. Brew Some Tea for your Feet
This is another good home remedy to get rid of smelly feet fast. The tannins in the tea leaves reduce sweating and eradicate bacteria.
How to Apply?
- Brew 3 teaspoons of tea in 4 cups of hot water
- Now add 8 cups of cold water and mix it well
- Soak your feet in the solution for about 20-30 minutes
- After that, clean your feet with normal water
You can repeat the process daily if you want to see quick results.
10. Soak Feet in a Solution of Water and Salt
Salt helps in reducing moisture and if you apply this remedy you will see the noticeable results.
How to Apply?
- Take some water and add ¼ cup of salt
- Mix it well and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes
- Now, rinse off your feet with normal water
Repeat the process daily for about 5-10 days.
11. Ginger
Ginger also has some amazing properties which can help you get rid of the bad smell from your feet.
How to Apply?
- Take fresh ginger and make a paste out of it
- Take this paste and boil it in a cup of water
- Let it boil for about 10 minutes
- Now separate the paste from the water
- Apply the paste on your feet and leave overnight
- In the morning, rinse off your feet with normal water and soap
Apply this remedy just for 2-3 days and your problem will be solved.
The Bottom Line!
There is no magic formula to get rid of smelly feet and shoes, simply follow the mentioned remedies and you can easily get rid of the problem.
Please Note: If your feet not only smell but also itch and peel then you should visit a doctor for the better consultation because it could be due to the infection or maybe the symptoms of ringworm (caused by a parasitic fungus).
Now, I’d like to hear from you which remedies have worked for you, so use the comment box to let me know as this will help me improve the quality of my article.
Lastly, don’t forget to share the article with those who are struggling with smelly feet.
The information present on this webpage has not been evaluated by any medical authority such as the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). All information is for educational purposes only. Strictly saying, we do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. You must consult a medical professional before acting on any content on this website.
Usama is a medical student (MD) and loves to share his medical knowledge. He loves to write on different health and medical conditions for a better understanding of a common person. To know more about him visit the About page.